Flying squirrels, unique rodents known for their gliding ability, often spark curiosity. Their intriguing lifestyle sets them apart from other squirrel relatives. Their subtle presence and fascinating adaptations contribute to their mysterious charm, prompting many to wonder about their daily routines.
Nocturnal Nature of Flying Squirrels
Flying squirrels are strictly nocturnal, active primarily at night and resting during the day. This pattern is consistent across the two main North American species: the Northern flying squirrel ( Glaucomys sabrinus) and the Southern flying squirrel ( Glaucomys volans). Unlike many other squirrel species active during daylight, flying squirrels are rarely observed, contributing to their elusive nature. They typically emerge from their dens at dusk and remain active until dawn.
Reasons for Nighttime Activity
The nocturnal lifestyle of flying squirrels offers several advantages, primarily avoiding predators and accessing food resources. Being active under the cover of darkness helps them escape diurnal predators like hawks. While owls remain a threat at night, darkness provides a degree of concealment.
Their large, prominent eyes are a key adaptation, allowing them to navigate effectively in low-light conditions. Nighttime activity also reduces competition with diurnal squirrels for food, as many preferred items, such as fungi and insects, may be more accessible or active after dark. Their long whiskers provide enhanced sensory perception, aiding navigation and foraging in the absence of strong light. These adaptations allow them to thrive in environments where other squirrels cannot.
Nocturnal Behaviors and Diet
During their active nighttime hours, flying squirrels engage in foraging, gliding, and social interactions. They are omnivorous, consuming a diverse diet that includes nuts (like acorns and hickory nuts), seeds, fruits, fungi, and lichens. Their diet also extends to insects, bird eggs, nestlings, and carrion, providing essential protein. Foraging behavior is dynamic, with squirrels adjusting their diet based on temperature and availability, for instance, storing hickory nuts for colder months.
Flying squirrels do not truly fly but glide using a furry membrane called a patagium, which stretches from their wrists to their ankles. When they leap from a tree, they spread their limbs, stretching this membrane to catch air, allowing them to glide gracefully between trees for distances that can exceed 150 feet. Their flattened tail acts as a rudder, providing steering and balance during glides. They are social animals, often nesting communally, especially in colder seasons, to conserve body heat.
Signs of Flying Squirrel Activity
Observing flying squirrels directly can be challenging due to their nocturnal habits, but several signs indicate their presence. Homeowners might hear scratching, scurrying, or thumping sounds in attics or walls, particularly after sunset and throughout the night. High-pitched chirping or squeaking sounds indicate communication.
Another indicator is the presence of droppings: small, dark pellets similar in size to mouse droppings, often found in larger quantities or concentrated in communal latrines. Gnaw marks on nuts, seeds, or wooden structures also point to their activity. Preferred habitats include wooded areas, and they may seek shelter in tree cavities or human dwellings, particularly attics, during colder months.